A superb Mughal green diamond-set gold enameled shamshir
North India, 19th century
L. 95 cm
The exceptionally fine pistol-grip hilt is decorated in kundan technique with diamonds and rubies set in gold, against a green enameled ground. It has a single-edged curved blade of watered steel. Including an associated striped cloth-covered sheath, two gold sheath mounts and gold chape with very fine scrolling floral repoussé decoration. The term repoussé comes from the French word meaning ‘pushed up’ or ‘raised’. It involves shaping metal from the reverse side to create intricate design and patterns on the front surface. It is achieved by hammering and shaping a sheet of metal, typically brass, gold or silver.
Compare:
- Robert Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: a Lifetime’s Passion, 2013, p. 35 (for a sword with a related hilt)
- S. Kaoukji, Precious Indian Weapons: and other pricely accoutrements, p. 172 (for another sword with a related hilt)
Sources:
K. Von Folsach, J. Meyer & P. Wandel, Fighting, Hunting, Impressing: Arms and Armour from the Islamic World, 2021, p. 144
L. 95 cm
The exceptionally fine pistol-grip hilt is decorated in kundan technique with diamonds and rubies set in gold, against a green enameled ground. It has a single-edged curved blade of watered steel. Including an associated striped cloth-covered sheath, two gold sheath mounts and gold chape with very fine scrolling floral repoussé decoration. The term repoussé comes from the French word meaning ‘pushed up’ or ‘raised’. It involves shaping metal from the reverse side to create intricate design and patterns on the front surface. It is achieved by hammering and shaping a sheet of metal, typically brass, gold or silver.
Compare:
- Robert Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: a Lifetime’s Passion, 2013, p. 35 (for a sword with a related hilt)
- S. Kaoukji, Precious Indian Weapons: and other pricely accoutrements, p. 172 (for another sword with a related hilt)
Sources:
K. Von Folsach, J. Meyer & P. Wandel, Fighting, Hunting, Impressing: Arms and Armour from the Islamic World, 2021, p. 144
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